The planter in the parable was counseled to cast seed on the good ground where it will produce "a hundredfold." Since at least 1986, the LaMoille Congregational Community Church near Marshalltown, Iowa, has been seeding the good ground, tending the field, and reaping the harvest.

A year before the LaMoille Community Church was dedicated in 1887, there was a "Ladies Aid," later called the Women’s Fellowship. In the days of the "Threshers," farmers would come together help each other take in their harvest, and the women would prepare the big meals needed to keep them going. LaMoille Church history said that the Women’s Fellowship funds are raised mostly through the "culinary skills" of the members. This fellowship has been seeding the good ground ever since by providing help for youth camp scholarships.

LaMoille Church holds an annual event called "God’s Portion," originally a sale of donated produce. Recently the event has become much more, including baked goods, meats and crafts of every kind where people in the area know they will find quality items to buy and will have a good time.

LaMoille Church history ran parallel to the history of the school next door through most of its existence. School consolidation closed this building, but the good work done there is remembered. In 1976, as part of our National Centennial, a memorial was built on the church lawn including the name of the church and the cornerstone and bell from the former school.

With the passing of the school, though, opportunity knocked. Lamoille Church opened the door. Where the school had stood, the land had over the years gradually grew into useless brush. Enter the Lamoille Church youth group, called "Christian Endeavor" at its founding in 1892. Beginning in 2001, the group cleaned up the ground, planted grass seed, and the good ground has produced a great lawn for outdoor activities. Last summer, Pastor Harlan Nuss and Youth Leader Patrick Stewart worked with the youth to issue an invitation to the youth of other churches for a touch football game and barbecue -- Christian fellowship that will long be remembered.

Good ground. Good planting. Rich harvest.

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